Between Clubs

A continuation of our last episode where we dissect and discuss Kevin's 2026 USGA Mid-Am Qualifier at Mesa Verde Country Club.

Join us as we post-mortem Kevin's 2026 USGA Mid-Am qualifier at Mesa Verde Country Club.

This episode features a preview of Kevin's USGA Mid-Am qualifier, as well as an interview with a good friend and fellow competitor in the Southern California amateur golf circuit, Ben Phipps.

Apologies in advance for the audio quality issues in the interview, Ben's microphone wasn't recording and we didn't realize until after we had concluded. Everything you hear is being picked up through Sean's mic.

This week, we walk through Kevin's US Amateur qualifying experience at Monarch Dunes. Listen in to the literal ups and downs of a round that has qualification within reach the entire way.

Most amateurs never realize the real secret to performing under pressure — until they tee it up in their first big tournament. Kevin and Sean pull back the curtain on a rollercoaster round that reveals the grit, chaos, and raw emotion of competitive golf — lessons learned the hard way, chapter by chapter. This episode is a firehose of honesty: from those nervy first tee jitters to the gut-wrenching decisions that can make or break your round. Sean shares his blow-by-blow account of his debut tournament, uncovering why even the most seasoned golfers choke when the stakes are real. You’ll discover how mental glitches—like the infamous “glitch”—sneak in when energy dips, nerves take over, or course conditions throw you a curve.

We break down specific moments: the nerve-wracking tee shots, the decision to play safe or go aggressive, and those unexplainable mental dips that turn good shots into guerrilla warfare. Sean’s journey is a blueprint for anyone fighting their inner critic or battling to keep it together under pressure. It’s about resilience, focus, and the relentless pursuit of improvement even when everything’s falling apart.

This isn’t just about hitting shots — it’s about the transformation from amateur chaos to steady, confident execution. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed on the course, if nerves have ever stolen your swing or your mojo, this episode is your wake-up call. The lessons here: embrace the chaos, trust your routine, and never let that “glitch” define you.

Whether you’re dreaming of tournament play or just sick of folding under pressure, this episode will shake you awake and fuel your fire. Hit play — it’s time to turn those nerves into your secret weapon. Game on.